A number of Republicans have suggested their party could secure the moral high ground in the showdown over partial shutdown of the federal government if its members of Congress refuse their pay and challenge Democrats to do the same.

It is not often that the Mystery Diner finds a dining venue that is destined to be “a hit” right from the start. Hold onto your taste buds dear readers, for I bring you a top contender for the Tri-Cities’ “Best New Restaurant.”

The Johnson City-based Christ Children’s Home Education Fund that is helping build a new orphanage school in war torn Liberia will mark its one-year anniversary this weekend with a community celebration at the Kaycliff Center on Boone Lake.